When
Tish Oney sings, the sweetness of her soul blooms like a pungent, colorful, beautiful orchid, and that should be enough for many listeners. Add that she is arranging and re-interpreting the repertoire of singer/songwriter
Peggy Lee, is accompanied by
Lee's former music director, guitarist
John Chiodini, assisted by former
Lee soloists trombonist
Bill Watrous and vibraphonist
Bob Leatherbarrow, endorsed by
Lee's granddaughter Holly Foster-Wells, and you have the makings of a perfect win-win situation. Also something to remember is that
Peggy Lee not only was a wonderful lyricist, but also collaborated on tunes with heavyweight like Sonny Burke,
Victor Young,
Duke Ellington,
Harold Arlen, and
Johnny Mandel, as demonstrated on this CD.
Oney has a truly pitch-perfect voice, wonderful phrasings, and enough swing or scat to own her personal page in the legitimate jazz singer's ledger. What separates
Oney from
Lee is that she makes no attempt to be sultry, slick, or sexy. She's wholesome, polished, and the ultimate nice girl next door. Listen to her measured phrasing on the exuberant "It's a Good Day," the popping, campy, and energetic "I'm Gonna Go Fishin'," or the popular "I Love Being Here with You," and resist being totally charmed. Then try out her clean, clear voice during the doo doo scatted "It Must Be So," or the flexibility of the boppish "Boomerang" and attempt avoiding a second listen.
Oney also shares reflection during an evocative version of "The Shining Sea" or the more
Antonio Carlos Jobim-than-
Peggy Lee light Brazilian tune "Burn It Slow." The treats are in the details on several tunes, like bass, guitar or drum duets as introductions, the great solos from
Watrous and
Leatherbarrow, or
Oney's pristine way of interpreting a ballad, calmed by the classy guitar work of
Chiodini. Seriously -- this woman and her team not only do these songs justice, but can easily elevate them to an area that will thoroughly please
Lee's fans, and turn a new generation on to them.
Tish Oney does
Lee and her songs prouder than anyone in contemporary times, and should give more famous singers like
Diana Krall,
Dianne Reeves, or
Jane Monheit pause for concern. She's firmly on their trail. ~ Michael G. Nastos